Well, race fans... Here we are at the end of the season. A long season at that! Many unforseen ups and downs along the way have transformed this season into a trial-by-fire for both Honda teams. Between both teams reorganizing their management structure and Honda having some severe teething problems with the brand new RA002E engine, the progress made by the teams early in the season was, at times, very slow.

However, as time went on, the teams managed to show some signs of life. Honda continued to improve the engine a little bit at a time throughout the season, Jordan solved the hydraulic system flaw that was DNFing their cars, and BAR got some competitive bodywork for the first time in their history!

The net result: both teams are tied for seventh place in the constructor's championship, sitting on 7 points. Giancarlo has the largest individual tally, having scored all of DHL Jordan Honda's points. Next up are Jacques and Olivier at 4 and 3 points, respectively. Takuma Sato has been unable to score points thusfar in the season, and it will be difficult for him to achieve that this time out. However, Takuma has one advantage this time: He has raced on the Suzuka track many times during his Honda driver development program experiences.

The teams have both long since finished their development programs and turned to the 2003 contenders. Not so Honda. While developing the 2003 engine design, they have continually fought to improve the engine throughout the season, with major upgrades arriving for the A1-ring, Nurburgring, and US Grand Prix. Following tradition, there is one more big upgrade to be seen...the Suzuka Special.

Sitting in the stands last time around in Indianapolis, let me tell you, it was clear that the Honda engine is putting out VERY good power. It was pulling hard and letting the drivers run a bit more wing than last year. That extra wing translated into very good pace for the drivers.

With another dose of horsepower on tap for the Suzuka Special, the teams can be confident that their engine will be nearly at the top of the field. Expect to see the drivers running reasonably well all weekend long.

TELEVISION SCHEDULE - All times Eastern Time Zone

October 11, 2002
LIVE Midnight to 1:00am - FORMULA ONE PRACTICE - Japanese Grand Prix
Taped Replay - 11pm to Midnight

October 12, 2002
LIVE Midnight to 1:30am - FORMULA ONE QUALIFYING -Japanese Grand Prix
Taped Replay - 10:30pm to Midnight

October 13, 2002
LIVE 1:00am to 3:30am - FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX OF JAPAN
Taped Replay - 9:00pm to 11:30pm and 1:00am to 3:30am Monday morning